In the Film Room: Missouri vs Arizona State

Burfict is such a rare linebacker specimen that some scouts, myself included, are inclined to overlook some issues to get this guy on an NFL team.

The Usual Suspects

#7 Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

-Playing the Mike, occasionally walking out on TE/WR’s.
-Disguising blitz/coverage well.
-Fantastic timing on blitz, forces QB to run into traffic.
-Huge hit (questionable legality, no flag) on QB after hand-off.
-Makes blocker miss on 2nd level with ease.
-Tracking ball well on fakes, looks more disciplined than last year.
-Looks relatively fluid in coverage.
-Delivers a huge blow stopping QB on 3rd and 2.
-Comfortable on the line or 7 yards off.
-Incredibly quick to the ball once he shoots his gun.
-Was taking good angles, but overran QB and opened up the cutback.
-Perfectly timed blitz on the goal-line, trips up QB, which leads to fumble.
-Gets walled off by pulling guard, leading to TD.
-Tigers getting zero yards after contact against Burfict. Leveling people.
-Filled wrong hole, but still got a hand on the RB.
-Chucks WR 15 yards down the field and draws dumb penalty.
-Another perfect blitz, but goes for the knockout and misses easy TFL.
-Blankets Egnew in coverage.
-Swats away RB block and sacks mobile QB, wrapping up.
-Dinged up ankle on XP attempt – getting taped up.
-Right on Egnew again, even with a bit of a limp.
-Jumps over QB on sneak attempt.
-Smartly holds up on sideline hit on QB.
-Strong tackle, fighting off blocker.
-Will be a fantastic 4-3 SAM.

-Shows good athleticism, but still looks small.
-Good fill, but not an aggressive hit.
-Fundamentals solid in open-field tackle.
-Covering well – solid in his back-pedal.
-Tracks QB eyes in coverage.
-Breaks down well in space.
-Haven’t seen many false steps, smart player.
-Tight coverage on receiver, leads to incomplete pass.

Others Who Flashed

#17 Brock Osweiler, QB, Arizona State – Big guy with a lot of promise. He’s worth us taking a more pointed look at in the near-future.